High interest rates and inflation continue to drag down the US manufacturing sector. The Chicago Business Barometer or Chicago PMI fell for a second consecutive month to 43.6 in February of 2023 from 44.3 in January. Figures came in lower than market forecasts of 45, pointing to another contraction in economic activity in the Chicago region, which extended for a sixth straight month. Below the 50 threshold indicates economic contraction. The Chicago PMI is the last of the regional manufacturing … Continue reading “Chicago Economic Activity Contracts Further ISM PMI Shows in February”